'Rules were not followed': Saba Karim’s strong verdict on BCCI’s family diktat after Virat Kohli’s attack

Saba Karim, former Indian wicketkeeper-batter and selector, has shared his thoughts on the controversial rule introduced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) following the disastrous Australia tour that limits players’ family time during overseas tours.

The cricket pundit believes that it’s important for cricketers to have their families around, but at the same time, he stressed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the national players should find the right balance to ensure players stay focused on their game.

Saba Karim urges BCCI and Indian players to find balance on family time issue

After India’s 0-3 drubbing against New Zealand at home and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy loss to Australia, the Board of Control for Cricket in India introduced many strict rules, including for the families, that restrict the family time the players can spend with their wives, parents, and children during the tours.

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On tours lasting over 45 days, Indian players can be joined by their families for 14 days only after the first two weeks. For shorter tours, family members are allowed to stay with the players for up to a week. These rules have not been welcomed by some players, including Virat Kohli.

It is being said that some Indian players are not happy with these rules, as they feel it can be tough for them to stay away from their loved ones for a long time. Reacting to the debate, Saba Karim said that he understands the players' concerns but also backed the BCCI’s aim to keep players focused on cricket, which is important.

'Rules were not followed properly in the past' - Saba Karim

The former BCCI official believes that every player has a different mindset and mentioned that even in the past, the rules haven't always been followed consistently, so he wants the board and the players to find a way and the right balance to solve the issue permanently.

Saba Karim was quoted as saying by ANI, “Every player has a different mindset. The BCCI has made some rules that have been followed for many years. In between, they were not followed properly. I think players and BCCI need to find a balance. It is necessary for players to be with family. I hope the BCCI and players will find the right balance.”

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We'll see many more talent this season: Saba Karim's big prediction for IPL 2025

Meanwhile, Saba is excited about the ongoing IPL 2025 season and expects new talent to shine in the 18th edition. The commentator said that players like Ashutosh Sharma, Vignesh Puthur, and Vipraj Nigam have already made an impact, and he hopes more rising stars will produce unforgettable moments in the ongoing IPL 2025.

Karim signed off by saying, “We will see many more this season. It is just the beginning. I think this is going to be the most explosive season ever. Season 18 will find many new stars. They will create memories that we will cherish forever.”

Notably, Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be up against each other in the much-awaited IPL 2025 clash on Friday, March 28, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.